About Souly Austin
Souly Austin is a dynamic economic development program dedicated to creating and sustaining vibrant, culturally rich, and diverse neighborhood economic and cultural districts across Austin. The initiative equips stakeholders with flexible tools to help form district management organizations and organized economic or cultural districts.
Why Economic and Cultural Districts Matter
Economic and Cultural Districts are the heartbeat of Austin's neighborhoods, serving as hubs of commerce, culture, and community. These districts are not just places to shop and dine; they are spaces where the unique identity of each neighborhood comes to life. They provide essential goods, services, and amenities while fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents.
In a city as diverse as Austin, these districts play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. They support local economies by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and encouraging entrepreneurship. A thriving Economic and Cultural District contributes to a socially and economically healthy Austin, aligning with the "complete communities" vision championed in Imagine Austin and the City Council’s Strategic Direction.
How Souly Austin Works
Souly Austin supports the creation and growth of district management organizations, district strategies, and project implementation through a set of tools based on three core components:
1. Community Organizing Souly Austin strengthens business districts by:
- Educating stakeholders about the benefits of district management organizations.
- Conducting outreach to stakeholders in districts through door-to-door visits, emails, and phone calls.
- Fostering leadership within the community.
- Building leadership capacity through comprehensive training programs.
- Assisting with the formation of District Management Organizations.
- Identifying and prioritizing a district vision.
2. Enhancing Place The program enhances business districts by:
- Building consensus around district improvements.
- Developing and implementing a district economic strategy.
- Launching placemaking projects that reflect and celebrate the culture of the District.
- Coordinating enhancements to create safe, walkable, and bicycle-friendly districts.
- Preserving and promoting Austin’s unique cultural and historical assets.
- Contributing to the creation of complete communities.
3. Stimulating Economic Growth To drive economic growth, Souly Austin focuses on:
- Promoting a socially and economically healthy Austin through supportive programs, projects, and policies.
- Collaborating with other City departments.
- Fostering partnerships that benefit business development.
Partnerships
The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce (GABCC)
The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC)
The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC)
The Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC)
Austin Independent Business Alliance (AIBA)
Public Works Dept., Neighborhood Partnering Program
Austin Transportation Dept., Active Transportation
Austin Transportation Dept., Signs and Markings
Austin Watershed Protection Dept.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin Revitalization Authority
Michael Corcoran
Stephanie Lang
Funmi Ogunru
Rachel Winston
Matthew Rodriguez
Chris Rodgers
Anne Marie Gordon
Robert Lin
Shelley Neuman
Morgan Dhee
Johnny Stevens
Philip Rogers